Eagle Mountain is only about 15 miles (24 km) from Minnesota's lowest elevation,
Lake Superior, at 600 feet (183 m).[4] It is part of the
Canadian Shield. Confusingly, there is another, much shorter, peak named Eagle Mountain in northern Minnesota. The shorter peak is part of the
Lutsen Mountainsski resort.

The hike to the summit can be made in about two and a half hours. The distance to the peak is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) with an elevation gain of 550 feet (168 m). The trail is rocky and moderately strenuous.
Whale Lake is about halfway along the trail and offers two campsites to hikers. The peak of the mountain is marked with a plaque.

Permits are required because portions of this hike enter the
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Self-issued permits are available at any Superior National Forest ranger station or at the trailhead. Instructions and the permit can usually be found at the trailhead kiosk.[5]